Professional Studies; M.Arch Year 2

Page 1

professional studies year 2017/18

modular and prefabricate construction Section 01

trust me, i’m an (unlicensed) architect Section 02


[ Note: This is a back to back printing document. Page is intentionally left empty. ]


eco

S T U D I O

Nur Fazuin Binti Ramli 16055778 Professional Studies 2017/18 Master of Architecture atelier qed Manchester School of Architecture RIBA Part II


PROFESSIONAL STUDIES: CRITICAL APPRAISAL

[ Note: This is a back to back printing document. Page is intentionally left empty. ] 4

PRACTICE MANAGEMENT


PROFESSIONAL STUDIES: CRITICAL APPRAISAL

01 SECTION

CRITICAL APPRAISAL ON PRACTICE MANAGEMENT Introduction: Modular & Prefabricate Construction Brief History

Page 09

Advantages & Benefits

Page 13

Current Scenario in the Construction Industry RIBA Plan of Work 2013 Conclusion

Page 07

Page 15

Page 19

Page 33

PRACTICE MANAGEMENT

5


chapter 1

modular and prefabricate construction


PROFESSIONAL STUDIES: CRITICAL APPRAISAL

eco

01 S T U D I O

SECTION

INTRODUCTION

In this essay, I intend to deliver a critical

review and appraisal of the procedural process

in delivering a specific type of an architectural project in the UK, which looks into the RIBA Plan

of Work 2013 in particular and its relevance in modular & prefabricate construction designs. Please

note

the

terminology

“modular

&

prefabricate construction� used to claim the adoption of building industrialisation and the use of prefabrication of components in building construction.

This critical appraisal will first identify

and analyse major problems in delivering modular & prefabricate design construction, and then look how the implementation of RIBA

Plan of Work 2013 during the procedural process benefits towards the resolutions. In this essay, propositions will be discussed in terms of how to

make the processes more effective in its overall operation in delivering modular & prefabricate construction design. Modular

Components that are volumetric in shape and that form a completed part of a building.

Prefabricate Any single assembly fabricated in the factory, to assist construction speed or quality.

PRACTICE MANAGEMENT

7


chapter 2

brief

history


PROFESSIONAL STUDIES: CRITICAL APPRAISAL

B R I E F H I S T O R Y O F M O D U L A R & P R E FA B R I C AT I O N

Figure 1: Modular & Prefabrication

[Source: Google Image]

Construction is defined as a process of

building or constructing a form of a landmark, structure,

monument

or

infrastructure.

A

modular & prefabricate construction is part of construction but using a different method that

includes a manufacturing process to produce a variation of building components of a project and has the ability to adapt to a small scale or

large scale developments. The term “construction industrialisation� is poorly defined. Most people are confused with other terms that arise based on users experience and understanding that

A modular & prefabricate construction

is verified as a modern way of construction that can offer high quality buildings, cost saving,

timely construction and efficient construction through standardization and mass production (CIDB, 2017). Esa and Nuruddin (1998) defined

that modular and prefabricate construction is a sequence from utilising craftsman in every aspect of construction to a system of manufacturing

product in order to minimise wastage and enhance value for end user.

varies from different countries. The process of manufacturing the components can be done

either on-site or off-site, depending on the

framework and nature of the project. It helps to create a better environment where most of the construction operation are done in a well organised area.

PRACTICE MANAGEMENT

9


PROFESSIONAL STUDIES: CRITICAL APPRAISAL

In the United Kingdom, the use of modular and

prefabricate construction became transparent in mid 1900’s after the broad annihilation of housing stock during the Second World War. By

1960’s the government initiate over 165,000 unit

of houses had been build using prefabricated concrete from individual bungalows to high rise

dwellings (Thanoon, W. 2003). Prefabricated

concrete serve about 25% of the retail market for the cement based product in the United Kingdom comprise of broad range of component

used in construction industry such as blocks,

paving, slabs, frames and other structural element (Glass, J. 2000). Therefore, the off-site

construction became increasingly popular in the United Kingdom with the increase of demand during that period.

10 PRACTICE MANAGEMENT


PROFESSIONAL STUDIES: CRITICAL APPRAISAL

[ Note: This is a back to back printing document. Page is intentionally left empty. ] PRACTICE MANAGEMENT 11


chapter 3

benefits and advantages


PROFESSIONAL STUDIES: CRITICAL APPRAISAL

A D V A N TA G E S A N D B E N E F I T S

There are numerous benefits of adopting

modular & prefabrication in the construction

industry. Modular & prefabrication aims to deliver projects faster, reduce costs and improve quality.

There is no downside to the implementation of this construction method. The benefits have

been a consequential factor to encourage its adoption, and avoiding the complications faced through conventional construction method (Pan et al., 2007; Blismas & Wakefield, 2009).

The UK Government has seen significant

developments and improvements in construction markets in developed countries such as Japan and

Germany. They saw great potential for modular &

prefabricate construction and is already proven by their significant growing market shares. The UK construction industry intended to adopt

this innovative approach to increase the rate of construction, and keen to implement it in the UK (Izatul Jabar et al, 2013).

PRACTICE MANAGEMENT 13


chapter 4

what is currently happening


PROFESSIONAL STUDIES: CRITICAL APPRAISAL

CURRENT SCENARIO IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

However,

all

excellent

benefits

of

modular & prefabricate construction products

are impossible to be materialized if the issues in the construction phase are being neglected. Despite the rigorous advantages of modular &

prefabricate construction, industry stakeholders

are still unsure of its implementation because of the obvious complications such as technical complications, insufficient skilled labour and also design conflicts in the whole process.

Literatures have identified that project

delays, low construction qualities and demanding costs in modular & prefabricate constructions is often caused by seriously poor management in

delivering the project. (Kamar et al., 2011). The issue of poor management in delivering modular & prefabricate construction is often associated

to unskilled contractor. It is unequitable that the construction industry is truely depending on the contractors who manage the processes involved in the modular & prefabricate construction

life cycle. This section is to encourage better

understanding for all parties and a clearer picture on problems that may arise in delivering modular & prefabricate construction method.

Major problems to be discussed are

specifically categorized in 3 different construction

phases. Firstly is Pre-construction, where it includes considerations in initial planning phase.

It covers activities such as defining the project

There

are

several

problems

and

complications when implementing modular & prefabricate construction. In a research done by

Izatul Jabar et al (2013), it includes generic issues such as the high capital cost needed in the

beginning of the project, lack of prefabrication

knowledge, requirement of skill labour, inflexible component

standardization,

difficulties

in

transporting the prefabricated modules to site, coordination and etc. It is worth listing out what

are the issues currently faced in the industry and

scope, allocating sources, project budgets,

and also identifying possible risks throughout the project. Second phase, Construction; also commonly known as the performing phase

where the construction is executed to achieve the project objective and finally, the Postconstruction phase. Post-construction comprises

of activities such as evaluating and identifying value of the work. This is a look back over the

project to see what can be improved, and how the value can contribute to future projects.

taking advantage of this knowledge to improvise,

in line with RIBA Plan of Work 2013. However, rather than focusing on these generic issues,

this chapter serves to highlight more relevant

problems that involved during the construction phase.

PRACTICE MANAGEMENT 15


PROFESSIONAL STUDIES: CRITICAL APPRAISAL

16 PRACTICE MANAGEMENT


PROFESSIONAL STUDIES: CRITICAL APPRAISAL

PRACTICE MANAGEMENT 17


chapter 5

RIBA Plan of Work 2013


PROFESSIONAL STUDIES: CRITICAL APPRAISAL

I N I T I A L S TA G E S

Stage 0 of the RIBA Plan of Work is a new

adoption in 2013 revision, which strategically works in line with the early process of modular &

prefabricate construction. According to the RIBA

Plan of Work 2013, Stage 1 Strategic Definition

evaluates the value of the project before a detailed brief is created. It clarifies the project before actual commencement of an in depth brief. In this stage, the process enables the

architect and all other parties involved to ensure they are fully informed of the requirements and scope of works. In consideration of implementing

modular & prefabricate construction in a project,

With the early agreement amongst the

architect, client and other related parties, site

appraisals can be carried out. It is also crucial to consider whether the site given has the ability to accommodate modular & prefabricate construction, which will very much affecting the

project’s practically and workability. Therefore, with the introduction of Stage 0, it gives the

opportunity for all parties to provide clear objectives and aim of the project, making

modular & prefabricate construction method becomes more sensible to be realized.

early decision must be made, essentially in Stage

0. It also gives an opportunity for architects to dispel some of the stereotypes that any client may associate with the profession and act accordingly to the RIBA Plan of Work.

It is crucial to ensure that the development

of early project directions and strategies in

the project are well prepared as they are most

probably be controlled by the clients and their

respective advisers. The agreement from all

It also beneficial as Stage 0, being part

construction from the early design stage becomes

consider whether or not to undertake similar

the project team. When modular & prefabricate

aspects of reuse from previous projects. Client

but reappraise in the later stage, the design that

in the early stage if they agree on the option.

higher possibility of not being able to suit for

approach, it enables continuous researches

to make sudden changes in the middle of the

industry.

parties in adopting modular & prefabricate

of the design feedback loop, clients may also

a great success and also a great challenge for

modular

construction framework is originally rejected,

can also be enlighten on the reduction of costs

has been produced and further developed has

With the introduction of this new Stage 0

modular or prefabrication system. It is absurd

and improvements in modular & prefabrication

&

prefabricate

requirements

with

project progress.

PRACTICE MANAGEMENT 19


PROFESSIONAL STUDIES: CRITICAL APPRAISAL

Stage 1 is arguably the most important

stage of the project where the foundation are laid

for a successful scheme. A preliminary appraisal of all available information is carried out to assess the options and feasibility of the modular

& prefabricate construction. The aim of this stage

is to determine an Initial Project Brief, of which shall include a requirement for the designated

modular & prefabricate constructions. This is

to encourage the project team to embrace the approach throughout the process and to ensure than the next stage is as productive as possible.

Project

costs

estimation

would

be

slightly different from the project costs involved in conventional construction. At this stage

prior agreeing to the final brief, the architect would have to make sure the project cash

flow be abundantly flexible to accommodate alternative procurement routes and modular & prefabrications. This may be involving a different

payment schedule comparing to the conventional construction. Clients should be well informed for the possibility of initial costs such as deposit payment for reserving factory etc.

20 PRACTICE MANAGEMENT

At this stage, I think that it is essential

for architects to inform clients to appoint more

design and planning manufacturing consultants. Evaluations of potential subcontracts might as

well be done in the early stage to speed up the

design process. However, it is crucial for the

client to set out relevant criteria of the project when setting out the design team at this stage,

as it would be very helpful when evaluating the design team’s ability to deliver the project using modular & prefabricate construction method. An

early design freeze and an initial project brief

is eventually developed resulting in a project commissioned on the client’s requirements, and have malleability to adapt to progression made during Stage 2 where it is finalized as the final brief.


PROFESSIONAL STUDIES: CRITICAL APPRAISAL

PRE-CONSTRUCTION PHASE

&

In the effort to achieve success, modular

prefabricate

construction

implementation

demands the design team (architect) to think

differently at Stage 2, particularly the buildability aspects of the design scheme within a federated

BIM model. The client has to start appointing

specialist subcontractors, in order to get them involved in the early design development stage rather than how it is outlined in the RIBA Plan of Work, which demonstrates later involvement

It becomes an opportunity to encourage

collaboration to achieve procurement. Most subcontractor components

of

prefer

modular

&

collaborative

prefabricate

approach,

being involved in early stages. This will benefit both parties; the designer team and construction

team, in a way that enable the specialist subcontractor to propose ideas and provide knowledge that the designers may be lacking of.

of specialist subcontractor in Stage 4. Later

involvement will not ensure the feasibility and practically for modular & prefabricate construction.

Figure 5: Design Approach

PRACTICE MANAGEMENT 21


PROFESSIONAL STUDIES: CRITICAL APPRAISAL

However, there have been greater concern

questioning its value and design qualities, but

design for modular & prefabricate construction will not limited the designer’s creativity (Joseph, M. 2012). In fact, Cooper, B. (2014) suggests

that designing with constraints are actually

beneficial and can make designer be more

creative. Designing for modular & prefabricate construction may have a little impact of the

building’s design. However, this can be achieved if design is properly developed along with the help of specialist subcontractors. If the team agrees to adopt modern method of modular construction later in Stage 3 and Stage 4, it is necessary for

the team to carry out early proposition at Stage 2. Basically, the implementation of modular &

prefabricate construction requires the design team to change their thinking away from the

conventional construction method, to a setting

of how the buildings are going to assemble rather than to be constructed.

22 PRACTICE MANAGEMENT

At Stage 2 is also when the architect may

advice the client of the procurement route to be chosen before further development. However,

the complexity and nature of the project, with

the need to reduce construction period and the need to improvise project performance has raised huge pressure to strive for other ways in

delivering the project. From the findings done by

Dzulkalnine N. et al (2016), it is suggested that a

new contract of document especially project that involves prefabrication should be proposed. The

existing procurement method is not suitable with

the modular & prefabrication project because of the different procedure.


PROFESSIONAL STUDIES: CRITICAL APPRAISAL

Figure 6: RIBA member’s online survey 2012

One of the major changes in RIBA

Outline Plan 2013 is the adoption of alternative procurement routes (Figure 6) in comparison to RIBA Outline Plan of Work 2007 which only aligns

to traditional procurement. The new change benefits modular & prefabricate construction as

this type of development is mostly delivered with Design and Build procurement. It signified the difference with other conventional construction as the main contractor would help to develop the

design with appointed specialist subcontractor, to

a point where the planning issue would be taken

over by the architect. The split of responsibility between the contractor and specialist sub-

contractor has to be defined clearly and agreed unanimously. This provides better control and

time saving of the whole process, as Design and

Build allows the contractor to carry out design and construction respectively.

Figure 7: Basic strucuture of Design & Build Contract

PRACTICE MANAGEMENT 23


PROFESSIONAL STUDIES: CRITICAL APPRAISAL

The purpose of Technical Design is to

produce more refined detail drawings before the construction stage. Containing all the aspects

that has been carried on from the earlier stages,

Technical design basically consists of the three

parts: architectural details, structural details, and building service details. It also serves to finalize design by adding on design from the specialist

subcontractor that has been appointed at the start of the project.

Stage 4 in RIBA Plan of Work 2013

highlighted the involvement of specialized production drawing that requires the designer to consider manufacturing offsite. This stage to

strategically allow the involvement of specialist subcontractor in making minor adjustments to

suit site conditions, particularly for conventional onsite

construction

method.

However,

this

approach will not be practical for modular

& prefabricate construction because of the complexity and nature of the project, is mainly focusing on factory environment.

The complexity of modular & prefabricate

construction projects can make it difficult to follow the process laid out by the RIBA Plan of

Work. There will be several activities be carried out simultaneously resulting in overlapping of process as outlined in Stage 3 Developed

Design and Stage 4 Technical Design. Therefore,

it is crucial for the project to have clear Design Responsibility

Matrix

throughout the process.

and

Project

24 PRACTICE MANAGEMENT

Strategy

At this stage, modular & prefabricate

construction method, requires the design team

and specialist subcontractor to work in parallel in getting the coordination of prefabrication

elements, specifically within an integrated BIM model. A greater level of understanding and

comprehensive design is required, and eventually

resulting in beneficial output of a fully worked through design. The adoption of BIM in RIBA

Plan of Work 2013 is not just about technology but about collaboration and information sharing, and seems to greatly support the ambition that

modular & prefabricate construction is trying

to achieve. With BIM, potential difficulties can be identified in the early stage of the project, minimizing risks and the needs for drawing amendments in later stage.


PROFESSIONAL STUDIES: CRITICAL APPRAISAL

PRACTICE MANAGEMENT 25


PROFESSIONAL STUDIES: CRITICAL APPRAISAL

With

the

fact

that

modular

and

prefabricate components depend entirely on computational techniques, I solely believe that factory-manufactured prototypes, or mock ups,

will help the design team to avoid duplication,

wastage and definitely beneficial in reducing costs. These prototypes then should be inspected

and approved by all parties consisting of the

architect, clients, contractor and subcontractor while giving attention to tricky installation details, safety and quality of the prototypes. This

is to ensure maximum accuracy in the littlest

detail and detecting any defect earlier before the real production commences.

This is where stage 4 Technical Design

and Stage 5 Construction in RIBA Plan of Work

2013 will be overlapping across each other as the prefabrication process and delivery is done simultaneously over the construction period.

There are many potential benefits that can be captured from this overlapping activities across stages and it is something that should not be

overlooked. With a proper manufacturing time

and delivering schedule, modular & prefabricate components that are already been tested into

mock ups can be sent out for production earlier in phases. Short cuts may be feasible, as while

other components are still in production, the ready components can strategically be sent out to the site. This will save greater time and allow

extra time allocated for any minor mistake to appear.

26 PRACTICE MANAGEMENT


PROFESSIONAL STUDIES: CRITICAL APPRAISAL

PERFORMING PHASE

To ensure smooth work flow on site, the

architect and client must agree to engage with

a specialist subcontractor or a site personnel, a person who is in charge of spatial assembly of

modular & prefabricate components. The site

personnel will coordinate every procedure based on what’s written in the contract earlier, and

might need to be involved with the prefabrication

process as early as the production phase. He/She

will ensure that all modules are prefabricated and delivered to site on time. The major problem in implementing non-conventional construction method is the lack of skilled workers, however,

if the design team and clients has unanimously

agreed to embed this method, the workers need to be trained on how to execute modular &

prefabricate components simultaneously during the component productions to save more time rather than training the workers on site.

As mentioned earlier, overlapping of

stages outlined in RIBA Plan of Work 2013 happen

when the production, delivery and assembly

activities occur simultaneously. All prototypes or mock ups that has met its standard and

ready for its production can be delivered early

to site to reduce the time and complication in the manufacturing factory. With the nature of modular & prefabricate construction method, a

“two bin system� is implemented at this stage. Two bin system is a potential solution for efficient resupplying process. When the bin on one side

that is closest to the operative is empty, it is moved to the back of the rack. The other bin is

then pulled forward. The bin that is empty will be filled at the rear. With this process, the modular

& prefabricated components will be efficiently delivered and assembled one after another.

Furthermore, it is essential to have an

early agreement of whether or not to have on-

site manufacturing as it requires more aspects to be considered, such as sufficient space for constructing a prefabrication yard, the

mobilization of machineries and equipment, etc.

Either way, the site personnel will need to make sure efficient access for transportation, right of way and provide protected storage for the

modules & prefabricated components before

assembly. The failure in evaluating the potential

constraint in the planning phase will only reduce productivity and slows down the assembly

process (Pan et al., 2004). The site personnel will also be in charge of the quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) from the early production phase throughout the project completion.

PRACTICE MANAGEMENT 27


PROFESSIONAL STUDIES: CRITICAL APPRAISAL

Figure 9: Overlapping of stages to increase efficiency in delivering modular and prefabricate construction

28 PRACTICE MANAGEMENT


PROFESSIONAL STUDIES: CRITICAL APPRAISAL

POST-COMPLETION PHASE

Another addition of RIBA Plan of Work 2013

is the new Stage 7, which is not entirely new but

gives better guidance to the evaluation process. Rather than evaluating the building once it is

completed, the new Plan of Work recommended

it to be done during “In Use” period, and to update Project Information regularly “until the end of a building’s life”. Assessing the building’s

performance during the occupation in real time is one of the essential method to allow client and

design team to receive feedbacks for the user,

enabling continuous learning and improvement

for their future projects. Maintenance issues

related to modular & prefabrication aspects can be reviewed, documented and fed back to the contractor and also their liaised sub-contractors.

As we all know, the nature of modular

& prefabricated components is either being permanent construction components or semipermanent, meaning that it has potential and

ability to be dissembled at the end of the building life. This requires part of the modular

or prefabricated components be disassemble,

recycled or even reassemble to adapt with

future use. This will also enable resources to be reused to their very best when demolishing or disassembling of the building is necessary, making the process in the most efficient and

productive as compared to other demolition method of conventional buildings. The practice

towards this resource-gentle building can be pushed forward by considering the ability of modular or prefabricated components to be disassembled and reassembled.

PRACTICE MANAGEMENT 29


PROFESSIONAL STUDIES: CRITICAL APPRAISAL

However, there is no specific stage in

RIBA Plan of Work 2013 for decommissioning and disassembly process. In comparison to

Construction Industry Council (CIC)’s work stages which reflect the work done for UK Government BIM Task Group, its final stage (Stage 7 Operation)

includes the end of the facility’s life. It is crucial

for the design team to consider this even before the design life has expired, where there may be the need to replace individual systems or components during the building occupation. For

example, M&E systems usually have a shorter life

span than structure, and requires an aftercare after some time, and unfortunately it is unclear

under which stage in RIBA Plan of Work that this activity will be carried out.

30 PRACTICE MANAGEMENT

According

to

Figure

above,

the

decommissioning and disassembly activities may come under the Stage 7 In Use in relation

to the CIC work stages. However, RIBA should have included this activity in the Plan of Work

by structuring a detail guidance to give clearer

understanding of how certain types of project align with the individual stages. This has

proven the fact that there are more aspects to be considered in different types of project, in

particular modular & prefabricate construction projects, and potentially need more work stages as to make the RIBA Plan of Work be as flexible as possible.


PROFESSIONAL STUDIES: CRITICAL APPRAISAL

[ Note: This is a back to back printing document. Page is intentionally left empty. ] PRACTICE MANAGEMENT 31


chapter 6

conclusion


PROFESSIONAL STUDIES: CRITICAL APPRAISAL

Throughout

this

essay

it

has

been

demonstrated how modular & prefabricate

construction project is being delivered in conjunction with RIBA Plan of Work 2013. It

has shown to be beneficial, and uncertain as well on how the implementation of the Plan

of Work works when delivering this particular type of project. Although the Plan of Work was

established with the intention to accommodate more

flexibility

of

procedural

process

for

various type of project, it still does not feel truly flexible as there many aspects that are currently overlooked. The developments made since then

does not contribute to modular & prefabricate

construction sector and proven that it is still quite difficult for this sector to follow the process laid out by the RIBA Plan of Work 2013.

As the highlight, the introduction of Stage

0 Strategic Definition and Stage 7 In Use would be most beneficial to this sector. It does not

only gives crystal clear value of the architect’s

scope of work in the initial stage, but also gives the opportunity for modular & prefabrication

construction industry to evaluate their completed work during the in use period of the building at

The major challenges for modular &

prefabricate construction in the UK is to ensure

that the project is delivered efficiently and safely. As acknowledged by RIBA, overlapping of stages

may occur depending on its necessity. It is vital for

modular & prefabrication to be able to progress through stages 2-5. Some aspects of the design

may develop earlier than others; or project constraints may make it necessary to overlap with other stages. As an example, production of

modular & prefabricate components does not

simply fall into Stage 4 Technical Design, but it can still continue into Stage 5 Construction,

allowing the simultaneous back-to-back process

to improve efficiency in modular & prefabricate construction.

Throughout writing this essay, I can’t

help but noticing the confusion of the term

‘construction’ and ‘assembly’ used to describe the activities conducted in Stage 7. Perhaps

this can also be an opportunity to highlight the objective of modular & prefabrication, which

focuses more on practicality with the idea of ‘assembly’ rather than ‘construction’.

Stage 7.

PRACTICE MANAGEMENT 33


PROFESSIONAL STUDIES: CRITICAL APPRAISAL

However, not all parties are happy with

the new Plan of Work. According to the survey

conducted by the Association of Consultant

Architects, they have found that half of the

participating respondents claimed the RIBA Plan of Work 2013 was unhelpful. This latest Plan of

Work by RIBA is said to be not coherence enough and diminished the importance of technical design (Ridgett, J. 2017).

I feel that the lack of clarity in the

planning and technical design stage should

be addressed as soon as possible to avoid the confusion in delivering projects. As mentioned

before, for modular & prefabricate construction,

potentially requires interconnected work stages for execution of such projects. In my opinion,

the Plan of Work should be able to fit other requirements in different type of project, rather than having one that is assumed to suit all

requirements. Perhaps it will be beneficial to all other non-conventional construction project if the Plan of Work has the ability to be tailored to

this specific area of architecture and construction, not only limiting it by procurement methods.

34 PRACTICE MANAGEMENT


PROFESSIONAL STUDIES: CRITICAL APPRAISAL

[ Note: This is a back to back printing document. Page is intentionally left empty. ] PRACTICE MANAGEMENT 35


bibliography


PROFESSIONAL STUDIES: CRITICAL APPRAISAL

UK Essays. November 2013. The Definition Of Industrialised Building System Construction Essay. [Online]. Available at: https://www.ukessays. com/essays/construction/the-definition-ofindustrialised-building-system-constructionessay.php?cref=1 [Accessed 13 January 2018]. Building & Engineering Services Association, 2015. An Offsite Guide for the Building and Engineering Services Sector [Online]. Available at: https://www.buildoffsite.com/content/ uploads/2016/01/OffsiteGuide.pdf [Accessed on 29th November 2017]. CIDB, 2015. Construction Industry Development Boards MAS. [Online] Available at: http://www. cidb.gov.my/index.php/en/ [Accessed on 29th November 2017]. Esa. H and Nuruddin. MM. Policy on industrialized building system. Report on Colloquium on Industrialized Construction System: Kuala Lumpur. Thanoon, W. 2003. The Experience of Malaysia and other Countries in Industrialised Building System. [Online] Available at: https://www.researchgate. net/profile/S_Sapuan/publication/228469116_ The_Experiences_of_Malaysia_and_other_ countries_in_industrialised_building_system/ links/564095b208aef2be8e054883/TheExperiences-of-Malaysia-and-other-countriesin-industrialised-building-system.pdf [Accessed on 2nd January 2018]. Glass, J. 2000. The Future for Precast Concrete in Low-rise Housing. DETR. [Online]. Available at: https://web41.secure-secure.co.uk/ britishprecast.org/publications/bpcfbrochure. pdf [Accessed on 29th November 2017]. Ridgett, J. 2017. Why the RIBA Plan of Work could undermine the profession. The Architects’ Journal [Online]. Available at: https://www. architectsjournal.co.uk/opinion/why-ther i b a - p l a n - o f- w o r k- c o u l d - u n d e r m i n e - t h e profession/10018029.article [Accessed on 2nd January 2018].

Izatul laili Jabar, Faridah Ismail, Arniatul Aiza Mustafa, 2013. Issues in Managing Construction Phase of IBS Projects, Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences. [Online]. Available at: http:// www.sciencedirect.com/science/ar ticle/pii/ S1877042813020764 [Accessed on 2nd January 2018]. Kamar et. al, 2011. Industrialized Building System (IBS): Revisiting Issues of Definition and Classification. [Online]. Available at: https:// www.researchgate.net/publication/251422513_ Industrialized_Building_System_IBS_Revisiting_ Issues_of_Definition_and_Classification [Accessed on 29th November 2017]. Joseph, M. 2012. A Case Study Approach to Identifying the Constraints and Barriers to Design Innovation for Modular Construction. [Online]. Available at: https://vtechworks.lib. vt.edu/handle/10919/32397 [Accessed on 5thv January 2018]. Blismas, N., & Wakefield, R. (2009). Drivers, constraints and the future of offsite manufacture in Australia. Construction Innovation. Dzulkalnine, N. et. al 2016. Issues of Payment Procurement Process for Industrialised Building System Project. [Online]. Available at: https:// www.researchgate.net/publication/303681753_ issues_of_payment_procurement_process_for_ industrialised_building_system_ibs_project [Accessed on 2nd January 2018]. Pan, W., Gibb, A. G. F., & Dainty, A. R. J. (2014). Strategies for Integrating the Use of Offsite Production Technologies in Housebuilding. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management. [Online]. Available at: https:// ascelibrary.org/doi/abs/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.19437862.0000544 [Accessed on 5thv January 2018].

PRACTICE MANAGEMENT 37


PROFESSIONAL STUDIES: CRITICAL APPRAISAL

[ Note: This is a back to back printing document. Page is intentionally left empty. ] 38 PRACTICE MANAGEMENT


PROFESSIONAL STUDIES: CRITICAL APPRAISAL

02 SECTION

CRITICAL APPRAISAL ON BUSINESS MANAGEMENT Introduction

Page 41

The Blurred Boundaries

Page 43

The Competition within the Profession

Page 47

Danger to the Public & to the Profession Where it went wrong

Page 57

Conclusion: The Solution is within You Self-Appraisal

Page 53

Page 63

Page 69

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT 39


chapter 1

trust me, i’m an (unlicensed) architect


PROFESSIONAL STUDIES: CRITICAL APPRAISAL

eco

02 S T U D I O

SECTION

INTRODUCTION

in

This critical appraisal wishes to elaborate

depth

how

architecture

profession,

or

architecture practice has changed over time. Rather

than

going

into

depth

regarding

conventional architectural consultancy practices, this essay focuses on how illegal practices

are being run in the perspective of graduate

architects, or probably better be described as architect without the term “unlicensed”. It is

undeniable that many registered architects will express their opposing views on this argument, stating that ‘the Law defines an architect as a licensed professional’. As discussed by Brinn

From my 6 years of experience in

architecture world, both within education and from my time in practice, has widen my awareness

on possibilities on how architecture practices could potentially be wrong, or in other word, unprofessional. With such I intend to critically

appraise the current scenario of unlicensed architects taking over as design consultants and

how their “practices” are run. This essay will also

provide exemplary real practices happening in architectural world to understand where the failings occurred.

Miracle (2010), the confusion of the terminology use

to

politely

represent

practitioners remain unclear.

this

group

of

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT 41


chapter 2

the blurred boundaries


PROFESSIONAL STUDIES: CRITICAL APPRAISAL

THE BLURRED BOUNDARIES

The practice and role of an architect since

its inception, is one of the professions that which

has been in constant transition. It is one of the profession that is always struggling to maintain

its relevance. Over the years, the architect has gone from being a ‘master builder’, down to

just being a designer, focusing more at the early stage of a project. In an ever developing

world, this particular architects’ role and job

descriptions have become blurred, as there are

slowly be taken over by those who are capable in the related professions.

The architectural design process has

become a collaborative process. With the

shrinking responsibilities of an architect over the years, clients and laymen often question

the need for an architect or what their role in a project is. One of the reasons why is due to design-and-build

and

related

procurement

routes, clients are now prefer approaching contractors and builders directly for guidance and advice rather than seeing architects who

were once, master-builders. The contemporary construction industry has been adopting other professions, gradually over years as represented in the diagram. Contractors, planners, engineers

and consultants all have their essential role to focus on. Without a doubt, if architects continue

to sub-divide their roles in the project and

construction stages, our responsibilities will be limited to designing and providing drawings.

Figure 13: Demishing role of Architects over time

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT 43


PROFESSIONAL STUDIES: CRITICAL APPRAISAL

THE BLURRED BOUNDARIES

Figure 14: Profession involved in the Built Environment Industry

44

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT


PROFESSIONAL STUDIES: CRITICAL APPRAISAL

[ Note: This is a back to back printing document. Page is intentionally left empty. ] BUSINESS MANAGEMENT 45


chapter 3

the competition within the profession


PROFESSIONAL STUDIES: CRITICAL APPRAISAL

THE COMPETITION WITHIN THE PROFESSION

A

survey

was

conducted

by

BD

Employment, resulting unpleasant truths of architecture industry in the United Kingdom. It

has revealed the percentage of employment of architects and non-qualified graduates. 22% of

British architects appears to be unemployed, and

most surprisingly, 9% of licensed architect were employed in non-architectural businesses. What

On the other hand, 44% of graduate

architects are unemployed after completing Part 2. 18% are employed in a non-architecture-related business, making it only 38% of graduates have

secured their job positions in the profession, with a number of graduates focusing more on freelance and moonlighting works.

made them leave the industry? Or do they feel comfortable this way?

However, the statistics does not provide

clear reasons of what affected the decision of the

individuals who participated in the survey (Rory Stott, 2013). There is no way of knowing what

caused them to leave the profession, or knowing

whether these jobs are under paid or otherwise. The participants in these categories were from all possibilities, in unknown ratios.

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT 47


PROFESSIONAL STUDIES: CRITICAL APPRAISAL

THE COMPETITION WITHIN THE PROFESSION

A

flick

through

articles

related

to

the current architecture education industry would leave anyone wondering what exactly is happening to our profession. It is more peculiar knowing the fact has been found by Farrell

(2015), that a very large number of students, who

studies in architecture is not employed with a career in the profession when they completed their studies, may it be at the end of Part 1 or

Part 2 course. This scenario, to some extent,

might greatly be caused by the undersupply of

job positions in the conventional architectural

As stated by the HM Government (2013),

in this economic sector, the Government’s higher

education strategy is made clear by providing a massive source of national income, and is expecting to expand the strategy in the long run.

Tony Fretton, being one of the well known British

architects, expressed himself disappointed as

this will only cause architecture schools and institutions to increase the student intakes, hence

creating more difference in supply and demand of jobs in architecture profession (Booth, 2013).

firms/practices due to the increasing number of architecture graduates entering the profession (Stott, 2013).

Figure 17: Student of UK School of Architecture in all years (UK)

48

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT


PROFESSIONAL STUDIES: CRITICAL APPRAISAL

THE COMPETITION WITHIN THE PROFESSION

Figure 18: Percentage of Architects to its population

It is even more worrying when it comes

to the profession in the whole wide world. In

2014, Moditalia – one of the exhibition in Venice

Architecture Beinnale, has produced a statistics representing the percentage of architects to its

population of over 36 countries around the world (Quirk, 2014). However, it left architects with arguments and questioning whether is there any “golden ratio” of architects to populations.

To complicate matters, this has driven the

unnecessary urge in many countries to increase the number of architects in the profession. We

should be concerned not only with quantity but quality as well. Instead of shifting the ratio

according to economic growth, many countries attempted to take control of the number of

students in order to enforce this “golden ratio”.

Schools are pumping out graduates at an alarming rate. Hence the industry is producing

more and more architecture students and graduates, neglecting how to accommodate this growing number of architect graduates.

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT 49


PROFESSIONAL STUDIES: CRITICAL APPRAISAL

THE COMPETITION WITHIN THE PROFESSION

Figure 19: Comparison with Commonwealth nations

50

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT


PROFESSIONAL STUDIES: CRITICAL APPRAISAL

THE COMPETITION WITHIN THE PROFESSION

Take Malaysia for example: showing the

ratio of numbers professional architects are the lowest in comparison with other developing

countries (refer Figure 19). Why is there so

little number of licensed architects compare to the others? These countries listed are all Commonwealth nations, adopting very similar education systems.

In

Malaysia,

the

population

is

approximately 31.19 million yet they only have

upwards of 2,025 licensed architects. That’s a ratio of 1 architect for every 15,402 Malaysians

(Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia – Board of Architects

Whilst

many

have

expressed

disappointment and also surprised at these statistics, I asked myself with these questions

regarding the growing number of architecture students all around the world;

“ How do graduate architects, or unlicensed architects barely survive in this profession in the competitive industry, and how do they possibly do it? Where do young graduates go? ”

Malaysia, 2017). In the beginning, Board of

Architects Malaysia recommends that the ratio

of registered professional architects to its

population for a rapid developing country such as Malaysia, is approximately 1:1000. However, another series of studies were done, suggesting

a more realistic ratio target of 1: 8000 (Universiti Putra Malaysia, 2011). Based on this target and

national population forecasts, it is estimated that the number of professional architects required

in the next five years is about 3 times its current total. With the ridiculous growing demand in

number of professional architects, it is still unclear whether the industry has enough job supplies to accommodate these future graduates.

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT 51


chapter 4

danger to the public and to the profession


PROFESSIONAL STUDIES: CRITICAL APPRAISAL

DA N G E R TO T H E P U B L I C & TO T H E P RO F E S S I O N

The emergence of individuals and groups

of graduates or unlicensed architects in disguise

themselves of design consultants or companies

delivering architectural consultancy services is developing rapidly almost everywhere in

architecture industry. This practice is a potential risk to the public interest, as well as to the

architecture profession. However, the definition

of what illegal architects or illegal practices is still unclear. According to Section 20 of the

Architects Act 1997; the provision for protecting

The title “architect” can only be used in

business or practice by people who have had the education, training and experience needed to become an architect. They must also registered with ARB. It is also understood that any practice,

providing a full or a part of architecture

consultancy services without being registered to ARB is illegal. The diagram below shows

the interconnection between an Architectural Consultancy Practice & Incorporated Company.

title states,

“ a person shall not practise or carry on business under any name, style or title containing the word ‘architect’ unless he is a person registered under this Act. ”

Figure 20: Interconnection between an ACP and Incorporation Company BUSINESS MANAGEMENT 53


PROFESSIONAL STUDIES: CRITICAL APPRAISAL

DA N G E R TO T H E P U B L I C & TO T H E P RO F E S S I O N

Have you ever wonder how did the illegal

practices managed to survive up to this day? As

discussed earlier, the insufficient job supply has left our graduates unemployed. This is where majority of young graduates or unlicensed

architects involve themselves into. There are many ways to identify illegal practices today.

You could easily find these practices seeking recruits through job search websites etc. Having

the world at your fingertips, they can also be found easily on website as design consultant

companies, everywhere across the world. Take this real practice as an absolute example:

“ CK Architectural provides personal and professional architectural services for design, building regulations and planning applications…” “…Though we are not Architects, our skills, dedication and knowledge of design processes, current building regulations and planning policies means you receive an unparalleled service. ” - CK Architectural Leeds

It is clearly stated that they’re not architects, but providing professional architectural services. How did they manage to hide behind the shadow of design consultants?

54

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

They are defined as person(s) either

Part 1 /Part 2 graduate architects, or graduate interior designers, or design & build contractors, whom impersonate as an architect and uses their

registered non architectural consultancy practice (ACP)

companies

under

Companies

House

and/or other related companies to provide

architectural consultancy services to the public. There are many ways on how they run this type of illegal practice.

This can be referred to a client, appointing

a non ACP which provides basic scope in

consultancy services, and sub-appointing to a registered ACP. In the early design stages, the

non ACP would produce design and drawings from A to Z. Knowing that they never be able

to get a stamp for all drawings without partners

who are licensed, they would sub-appoint an ACP to seek for professional architects’ stamp/

signature in order to get their drawing approved by authority. In the unfortunate event, they would

liaise with planners and third parties answering any questions to progress the application as efficiently as possible. It seems to be appropriate

because of the presence of a professional architect but this is where it goes wrong.


PROFESSIONAL STUDIES: CRITICAL APPRAISAL

[ Note: This is a back to back printing document. Page is intentionally left empty. ] BUSINESS MANAGEMENT 55


chapter 5

where it went wrong


PROFESSIONAL STUDIES: CRITICAL APPRAISAL

WHERE IT WENT WRONG

The diagram above explains the brief

procedural route on how an illegal practice is being run in order to complete the whole project.. One of the best example of a real

practice to describe the above scenario is HL Design Group Sdn Bhd in Malaysia. In terms of

economic performance among countries in Asia, Malaysia is well acknowledged as one of the best developing country and had strong number

of investors. The excellent economic status achievement

encouraged

foreign

architects

to enter the local architecture industry. HL Design Group, or formerly known as Haeger

Lindsey Wilkins Sdn Bhd, was founded back in the 1994 in Malaysia by the architects from

the United Kingdom. It is a multi-disciplinary

Since its formation, HL Design has

achieved an excellent portfolio of work in

Asia, with projects from Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Fiji, Philippines, Vietnam and also China. However, it is understood that all of their

projects in Malaysia are accomplished with a

little help of local architects. Their projects are executed by local registered architects with HL Design providing the role as design consultant.

It is undoubtedly unlawful and irresponsible way for architects to get commission by simply

selling their stamps and personal signatures to third parties, who is believed to initiate all design schemes and drawings without being under provision of the signing professional architect.

design consultancy company, ranging skills in Architecture, Strategy and Interior Design.

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT 57


PROFESSIONAL STUDIES: CRITICAL APPRAISAL

WHERE IT WENT WRONG

According to the law, foreign architects

are not bounded to any existing rules in Malaysia.

They often use the services of local architects, which have been supposed to comply with the

requirements of the Architects Professional Code of Conduct in Malaysia. The irony, in the event

of any accident/mistake in the design scheme by

the foreign architect, the actual local professional

architect will be accused violates the provisions

of the Architects Act 1967 as stipulated under Code 3, the Code of Professional Conduct for Architects, Code 3 [8]:

“ A Professional Architect shall not certify, affix or put his signature to drawings, plans or specifications which are not prepared by him, his employees or persons under his supervision for the purpose of obtaining the approval from the relevant Authority. ”

58

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

In relation to the above, illegal practices

can also be categorized in the way that a

professional architect conducts illegal practice in lieu of their ACP. It happens when a professional architect

delivers

architectural

consultancy

service via a company that isn’t registered with ARB. He did knowingly, and in full awareness

of the illegality of his actions, under Architects

Act Section 7A 1(a), this architect might not be eligible for his rights.


PROFESSIONAL STUDIES: CRITICAL APPRAISAL

WHERE IT WENT WRONG

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT 59


PROFESSIONAL STUDIES: CRITICAL APPRAISAL

WHERE IT WENT WRONG

These illegal practices usually offers

initial consultation for completely free. During

the first consultation they will provide a clear understanding of the process and also the likely

cost of the project. In this early stage according to the Scale of Minimum Fees, it should have

been taken into account but they just got to do it for free in order to attract clients. Wong

(2007), in a discussion regarding discount rule in

professional field, strongly believe that haggling over fees only results in lowering the dignity of

the legal profession. A discount will not lead to

undercutting as the public should be able to appreciate that the cheapest may not be the best. Unfortunately, licensed architect will need to compete with unlicensed designer who has low liability and minimal overhead in running their business (LePage 2014).

However you look at it, you can’t deny

that this is really happening in the architecture industry. It is happening almost everywhere,

where layperson gets engaged to illegal practices that sub-appoint a professional architect to stamp

their drawings. Selling, or providing professional

autograph for granted by the architects is strictly unacceptable as this action is contravening the

Architects Act. The architect may be subjected to Section 15, under the Disciplinary Order if he/ she is found guilty.

60

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

So why is this still happening in actual

reality? Why are these practices still running normally as if they’re not wrong? Here is why: Apparently in the UK and some other countries,

legal action by the authority is not easy to be

carried out. The unlicensed architect who actually provide architectural practices under the name of design consultant companies aren’t register to ARB. Being unlawful individuals who have

no conduct and liability under the Architects

Act, it is very unlikely for the ARB to take legal actions.


PROFESSIONAL STUDIES: CRITICAL APPRAISAL

WHERE IT WENT WRONG

Take New York as an example; on how

serious they are about illegal architects and also illegal practices as a serious offense. The

right as an architect is so rigorously protected in the United States of America, as any person

who is pleaded guilty might be given penalty or even sentenced to imprisonment. In 2005,

an unlicensed architect James Arriaga lost his government job, after being busted of

defrauding over 150 clients within his 4 years of moonlighting architecture works. He was found

Again, it is stated very clearly without an

architectural license, one must not call himself an

architect or perform any architectural services; But sadly, these irresponsible individuals still carry out illegal practices in the UK and in many other countries. Who’s enforcing them, and how

can they be stopped? This is why the right to

practise as an architect is so rigorously protected in the United State of America. If USA can do it, why not us?

guilty for practicing architecture without a license and outsourced the enforcement with stamp/

seal of an actual licensed architect. Arriaga was sentenced to a 4-months of weekend in jail. He had been given 5 years of probation and had to

pay compensation to the city council with the total of $10,000 (Hurley and Scappini 2009).

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT 61


chapter 6

conclusion;

the solution is within

you


PROFESSIONAL STUDIES: CRITICAL APPRAISAL

It might be highly reasonable to highlight

some of the main reasons and issues regarding

the emergence of these illegal practices. We are all aware of their existence, so it is worth knowing why, and to put some effort in preventing this scenario to expand in the future.

THEY DON’T RESPONSIBILITY

WANT

by

Another

reason

THE

non-qualified

architects not to pursue their professional license is because they don’t want the responsibility.

THEY WONDER E V E N B OT H E R

WHY

DO

THEY

They are well acknowledged of the amount of responsibility and risk involved every time they

stamp or sign a drawing. Getting a professional

license raises the chances of being sued. For There are few reasons as to why both non-

example being sued for what was evidently the

unprofessional practice. Architectural graduates

was drawn on the drawings from the architect.

professional license. Many young graduates

will only limit your aim for getting a professional

have a successful career. They love architecture,

architects are trying to avoid this but it is worth

feel the need to prove themselves to anyone

license would benefit them in the future. On

as important. With the absence of the license,

architects to be unprofessional when it comes to

companies, rather than architectural consultancy

pride by providing illegal services such as their

qualified and licensed architects result to this

fault of the contractor not following exactly what

or part 2 “architects” simply do not wish to get

However, having this mindset isn’t healthy as it

think that they won’t be needing a license to

license. It is understandable that non-qualified

definitely enjoying their work but they don’t

looking into a better picture, of what having a

else. For them, professional license is just not

the other hand, this has caused many licensed

they would just prefer setting up incorporated

getting extra income. They would sacrifice their

practices. This would allow flexibility of the

signatures and stamps to non ACP.

to partner with other persons, making it able to

injection to their business. I strongly disagree

as well. Professional licenses need to be kept or

definitely means that you will be restricted to

become another burden, making them avoid

after all, is what you’ve been taught to do. Not

expressed themselves disappointed as being

from advancing in your life.

professional examinations, and also compulsory

company itself. It enables their business set up

After being licensed, we are all aware that

allow financial investors to contribute for capital

we have to commit with the never-ending fee

with this, as not having architecture license

maintained active by paying fees annually. This

provide architectural consultancy services, which

from getting a license. Non-qualified architects

having a professional license is also blocking you

required to pay ridiculous amount of money for

membership fees, after all generous financial commitment in 5-6 years of architecture school. BUSINESS MANAGEMENT 63


PROFESSIONAL STUDIES: CRITICAL APPRAISAL

T H E Y ’ R E P H Y S I C A L LY, M E N TA L LY & E M O T I O N A L LY E X H A U S T E D

There has been arguments regarding

the inconsistency of passing rate for Part 3 professional examination across the world. Over

the years, we have been blaming the candidates for having poor knowledge and experiences in

architecture industry. In Figure 7 (Chapter 3) we have seen the passing rate of Part 3 professional

examination differs very significantly across the

world. I do not think that many people are aware of these facts, even I, honestly did not, in the beginning of writing this essay.

Many would argue that the strict passing

rate is to protect the public interest, and assuming that only those who are with better or higher

level of knowledge can be registered. This is true indeed, but more inclusive approaches should

be created, to standardize the architecture profession as a whole; not to standardize it

according to region or country. To paraphrase,

this professional course should be standardized

across the world, in a way that passing rates in all countries is rated in the same general way.

I have come across many friends and

colleagues (Part 2 graduates) in Malaysia, who have failed professional examinations for over

4 to 5 times, and feeling discourage in getting their licenses. They have gotten to a phase to stop trying as they just do not know of what to

do to pass this examination. The irony, these

candidates are amongst experienced employees and have always been performing well, running project after project for years in practice. 64

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

In my opinion, it is worth to consider a

major review of the professional examination system to increase the passing rate. It is also

unfair for all candidates, as they aren’t allowed

to review their answer scripts. They should have

been given the opportunity to review their

answer script after markings have been done, to find out what mistakes they made, making the

learning process more rational, thus allowing them to learn from their mistakes and strive for better results in their next attempt.

I am not, for a moment, suggesting

that all architecture registration body such as; Architecture Registration Board (ARB, United Kingdom), Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia – Board

of Architects Malaysia (LAM, Malaysia), National

Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB, United States of America) and many others to turn the tables and start lowering

their standards, but there must be a way to start standardizing our professional examination

passing marks, thus standardizing architecture profession in the built environment industry.


PROFESSIONAL STUDIES: CRITICAL APPRAISAL

LET’S DO OUR PROFESSIONALS

PA R T S

AS

THE ARCHITECTS CODE 2017

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT 65


PROFESSIONAL STUDIES: CRITICAL APPRAISAL

LET’S DO OUR PROFESSIONALS

PA R T S

AS

Because of this matter, it’s often uncertain

to the graduate architects to establish practice without any guideline to success. My view is that

all graduates should at least receive a doctorate

and the title “architect” upon graduation. In this way, the definition of who we are and what we do as an “architect” is clear. Prior to that, a

license to practice independently would follow

after 2 years and each practice then, should be licensed by the registration board, depending on their performance and standard.

Looking back to all relevant reasons,

who is at fault? Is it the desperate graduates’

or the unprofessional licensed architects’? Or

is it possibly the fault of the local authorities?

In wider perspectives, they all have their own mistakes. I believe that our constitution as architects isn’t strong enough to avoid of all these from happening. Although no serious

action has been taken yet, the local authority

should be more strict and serious on imposing

charges and penalty to prevent illegal practices from growing.

66

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

While gathering information for this

essay, I express myself shocked with the number of design consultant companies that can easily

be found on the internet, claiming themselves as

being able to provide professional architectural consultancy

services;

endangering

our

profession. I admit that this issue is not being

taken seriously by the architecture institutions and authorities. The solution to our profession’s

problem is amongst us independent graduates,

architects and also our registration board. We all

should be well aware of our own responsibilities and be devoted of our professional code

of conduct and practice. It will take robust command, consistency and a continuous effort

to find feasible solutions. It is time the world understood what we do and how we do our parts as professionals.


PROFESSIONAL STUDIES: CRITICAL APPRAISAL

[ Note: This is a back to back printing document. Page is intentionally left empty. ] BUSINESS MANAGEMENT 67


chapter 7

SWOC

self appraisal


PROFESSIONAL STUDIES: CRITICAL APPRAISAL

I honestly, have never imagine that writing

a self-evaluation is the most intimidating task. As I’m writing this essay to a close, being just 5

months away from being a graduate architect, I

feel more uncertain about my working life after university, with limited choices and dubious future in architecture profession.

My strength lies within my experiences of

being truly independent person, struggling with all fear that I pushed aside towards achieving my

dream in architecture profession. I have worked in an environment that pushed the current limits

of my abilities. With the experience of working in Malaysia as an architectural assistant, and

the determination to adapt with significant changes while studying abroad, has allowed me

to develop and enhance my creative skills in architecture scene in wider perspectives.

Although I have become better as an

individual person, I think it’s equally important not to gloss over my weaknesses. My weaknesses lie

in mainly my graphical presentation skills. Having

studied at two very contrasting universities, I have gained myself a variety approaches to

architecture with elements I had not thought

could relate. During my undergraduate studies at Universiti Teknologi MARA in Malaysia, we were thought differently with approaches and aims; of

absolute attention to precision, detail of building services together with accuracy in maths and

physics. Graphics and captivating illustrations was not one of the top requirements. I had to

push myself to my limit in order to accomplish my goals and slowly adapt to the nature of the education in the UK. I find this as an interesting

opportunity where I can put all my knowledge together in producing better designs and outcomes. Although being trained in Malaysia,

the university is indeed RIBA accredited and do not have much different in terms of the system

in delivering architecture. This Professional Studies course has built my knowledge in British architectural practice system, and I am delighted to be able to understand how architectural practices and profession works in both country.

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT 69


PROFESSIONAL STUDIES: CRITICAL APPRAISAL

I have always been dreaming to become

a professional and licensed architect in the UK. However, being an international student, I am fully

aware of the complications that I’ll be meddling with. The threat to my success is basically the struggle to work in the UK. Obtaining a working

visa, is a major obstacle that probably cease my opportunity to gain working experience abroad. Being realistic, after graduating from the M.Arch

programme I will most likely be finding a job in Malaysia and looking forward on how I can contribute back to my country.

Whilst

writing

this

essay,

from

the

researches and studies I’ve done make me more

aware of this profession that I have developed interest in. Looking into the future that I’m going

to invest myself into, is undeniably scary. I would

say the biggest challenge for me is to compete with other graduate architects in Malaysia in

Other than becoming a professional

licensed

architect,

I

foresee what the future will bring for me. I had very fruitful conversations with many colleagues

and friends who are currently in Malaysia, in the same architecture industry, claiming that illegal

practices are coping up, and now influencing job markets and choices for architectural graduates.

It is worrying to know this is really happening around us but we just could not do much about

it. I know to avoid this scenario is not going to

be as easy as how I recommended in the essay, as much as I hate to admit.

70

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

have

considered

pursuing a career as a tutor, seeing this as a valuable opportunity in developing my selfconfidence and teaching skills. Having come this

far in architecture profession, I would absolutely like to qualify as an architect, and will look on

how teaching be as a part-time career alongside with professional job.

I finally understood how important it

is to know about the current scenario of the profession and to prepare myself in facing the challenges in the industry. But to answer this

particular matter questioned in the brief; Where does this all leave me post university? To be

honest, I am not sure. This progression of our

profession will not happen overnight, but I hope to have a future in architecture.

getting a license as the passing rate is relatively high as discussed in the essay. It is difficult to

also

Thank you for reading.


PROFESSIONAL STUDIES: CRITICAL APPRAISAL

[ Note: This is a back to back printing document. Page is intentionally left empty. ] BUSINESS MANAGEMENT 71


bibliography


PROFESSIONAL STUDIES: CRITICAL APPRAISAL

Miracle, B (2011) War of the words. Architangent.

Royal British Institute of Architects (RIBA).

com/2011/06/war-of-the-words/ [Accessed on

[Online]

[Online]

Available

at:

http://architangent.

15th November 2017]

Farrell, T, (2015). The Farrell Review 2015. [Online] Available

at:

http://www.farrellreview.co.uk/

explore [Accessed on 15th November 2017]

Jamieson, C. (2011). Building Futures. ‘The Future for Architects? Full Report’. RIBA, London. [Online]

Available at: http://www.buildingfutures.org.uk/ assets/downloads/The_Future_for_Architects_

Full_Report_2.pdf [Accessed on 17th December 2017]

Stott, R (2013) BD Survey Reveals 22% of UK Architects

Unemployed.

Archdaily.

[Online]

Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/341449/ b d - s u r v e y - r e v e a l s - 2 2 - o f- u k- a r c h i t e c t s -

unemployed/ [Accessed on 17th November 2017] Stott, R (2013) The Reality Behind those UK Unemployment Statistics. Archdaily. [Online]

Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/348035/ the-reality-behind-those-uk-unemploymentstatistics [Accessed on 17th November 2017]

Booth, E. (2013) Fretton: ‘Raise the bar higher at the schools’. The Architects’ Journal. [Online] Available

at:

https://www.architectsjournal.

co.uk/home/fretton-raise-the-bar-higher-at-

the-schools/8651260.article [Accessed on 28th December 2017]

(2017)

RIBA

Education

Available

Statistics

at:

2015/16.

https://www.

a rc h i t e c t u re . c o m / - / m e d i a / g a t h e rc o n t e n t / education-statistics/additional-documents/

educationstatistics201516pdf.pdf [Accessed on: 28th December 2017]

Quirk, V. (2014). The Ratio of Architects to Inhabitants Around the World. ArchDaily. [Online]

Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/501477/ does-italy-have-way-too-many-architects-the-

ratio-of-architects-to-inhabitants-around-theworld [Accessed on 18th December 2017]

Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia. (Board of Architects

Malaysia) [Online] Available at: http://www.lam. gov.my/ [Accessed on 18th December 2017]

Universiti Putra Malaysia, (2011) Hala Tuju Pendidikan Seni Bina di Malaysia. (The Direction

of Architectural Education in Malaysia) [Online] Available at: https://www.moe.gov.my/images/ Terbitan/Rujukan-Akademik/Hala%20Tuju%20 Pendidikan%20Seni%20Bina%20di%20Malaysia. pdf [Accessed on 12th December 2017]

Architects Act 1997 (c.20) London: The Stationery Office Limited

CK Architectural Leeds. (2015) [Online] Available at:

http://www.ckarchitecturalleeds.co.uk/

[Accessed on 30th December 2017]

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT 73


PROFESSIONAL STUDIES: CRITICAL APPRAISAL

HL Design Group Sdn Bhd. [Online] Available at:

AIA New York State. Architecture: What’s Legal,

29th December 2017]

aialongisland.com/what_s_legal_whats_not.pdf

http://hlarchitecture.net/about-us/ [Accessed on

Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia. Code of Professional

What’s Not. [Online] Available at: http://www. [Accessed on 11th December 2017]

Conduct for Architects. (c.3[8]) [Online] Available

Bryson, B. (2017) Future of Architects: Extinction

of-conduct/architects.html [Accessed on 29th

Available at: https://www.di.net/articles/future-

at:

http://www.lam.gov.my/index.php/code-

December 2017]

Architects Act 1997 (c.7A 1(a)) London: The

or Irrelevance. Design Intelligence. [Online] architects-extinction-irrelevance/ [Accessed on 11th December 2017]

Stationery Office Limited

Riscica, M. 10 Great Reasons Not To Get

Wong, A. (2007) The Law & Reality: The No

[Online] Available at: https://youngarchitect.

Discount Rule. The Malaysian Bar. [Online] Available at: http://www.malaysianbar.org.my/ solicitor s_remuneration_enforcement_sub_

committee/law_realty_the_no_discount_rule.

Your Architecture License. Young Architect. com/2014/11/15/10-great-reasons-not-to-getyour-architecture-license-become-an-architect/ [Accessed on 11th December 2017]

html [Accessed on 19th December]

No name (2013) Architects and Moonlighting.

Lepage, M. (2014) Independent Architects Are

www.lifeofanarchitect.com/architects-and-

Leading the Way for Change. Design Intelligence.

[Online] Available at: https://www.di.net/articles/

independent-architects-are-leading-the-way-

Life of an Architect. [Online] Available at: https://

moonlighting/ [Accessed on 11th December 2017]

for-change/ [Accessed on 12th December 2017]

Baharudin, N. (2010) Architects & a developing

Hurley, A. and Scappini, J. (2009) Trust Me,

blogspot.co.uk/2010/03/architects-developing-

I’m an (Unlicensed) Architect. The Journal of

The American Institute of Architects. [Online] Available at: http://www.architectmagazine.com/ practice/trust-me-im-an-unlicensed-architect_o [Accessed on 19th December 2017]

Rules of the Boards of Regents. (c. .29.3(a)(3)). New York.

74

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

Malaysia. [Online] Available at: http://amioz. malaysia.html#!/tcmbck December 2017]

[Accessed

on

29th

Razak, R. Article on Beware of Illegal Architect & Practice. [Online] Available at: https://www. scribd.com/document/360869262/Article-onBeware-of-Illegal-Architect-Practice on 29th December 2017]

[Accessed


PROFESSIONAL STUDIES: CRITICAL APPRAISAL

[ Note: This is a back to back printing document. Page is intentionally left empty. ] BUSINESS MANAGEMENT 75


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.